An attempt to force Bradford Council to re-think a controversial cut to social care for the elderly and disabled has failed.

Earlier this month, the Council’s Executive approved a cost-cutting plan to raise the threshold for when vulnerable people are entitled to care.

Only people whose needs are classed as substantial or critical were to be eligible for help with tasks such as washing, eating and dressing in their own homes. Previously, those with moderate needs or above were entitled to help.

The decision was ‘called in’ for further examination by the Health and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee but members narrowly voted to approve the Executive’s plan.

One of those voting against was Lib Dem leader Jeanette Sunderland who said the result had denied campaigners “any form of debate on full council”.